The Nahal Brigade is preparing for its deployment along the northern border – currently, one of the most tense borders – where it will be faced with a disintegrating Syria, and a Hizbullah
that growing stronger.

The commander of the green unit, Colonel Yehuda Fuchs, said it is clear that if the IDF takes action against these threats, his soldiers will be on the front line. "We are psychologically ready for battle in Lebanon," he said.

The unit’s soldiers, as all Israelis, have followed the reports of the alleged Israeli attack in Syria,
which was supposedly meant to stop advanced Russian missiles from reaching the hands of Hezbollah in Lebanon. And now, as his soldiers prepare to take part in a training exercise in a mock village – everyone is aware this might soon become reality – much like six-and-a-half years ago, when the Second Lebanon War erupted.

Nahal soldiers in training (Photo: Yoav Zitun)

"Israel has no intention of conquering south Lebanon, while Hezbollah remains a guerilla group that does not want to protect Lebanon, but rather to attack Israeli citizens," Fuchs argued.

"The most effective blow to Hezbollah will be if we enter its territory, dismantle its rockets and destroy as many launchers and terrorists as possible. This could give us lasting quiet."

The senior officer added, "There are dangers, but as soldiers we are sworn to face these risks." His words carry more weight considering the growing discussion within the IDF as to whether a strong airstrike based upon exact intelligence might be enough to prevent a ground operation in Lebanon, as it was in Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense.